Marriage advice that has stood the test of time is often rooted in genuine understanding and emotional intelligence.
These tips may have originated in simpler times, but their relevance persists because they address the fundamental aspects of human relationships.
In the following sections, we explore timeless advice that continues to nurture relationships today. Each tip is a stepping stone towards a loving and enduring partnership, offering wisdom that transcends generations.
1. Speak kindly—even when you’re annoyed
Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, words can be sharper than intended. Remembering to speak kindly, even when annoyed, can prevent unnecessary hurt. It’s not about ignoring your feelings but expressing them without causing harm. This approach fosters respect and understanding, reducing the likelihood of lingering resentment.
Imagine a gentle rain instead of a thunderstorm; that’s the effect of kind words. It invites dialogue rather than discord. Practicing this habit can transform disagreements into opportunities for deeper connection and empathy.
With patience and practice, speaking kindly becomes second nature, creating a warm, loving environment where both partners feel valued and heard.
2. Don’t stop dating your spouse
Keeping the romance alive doesn’t end with marriage; it evolves. Continuing to date your spouse is a celebration of your shared journey. It’s about carving out time to rediscover each other amidst life’s chaos.
These moments don’t need to be extravagant. A simple dinner or an evening stroll can rekindle the spark. It’s the shared experience and intention that matter most.
Such gestures remind both partners of their initial attraction and the reasons they chose each other. This ongoing courtship helps keep the relationship vibrant and deeply connected.
3. Go to bed at the same time when you can
Going to bed at the same time can be a bonding ritual, providing a moment of calm in a busy day. It’s not just about synchronizing sleep schedules but sharing those last few moments before sleep.
This practice can help couples reconnect emotionally, offering a comforting presence that enhances intimacy. It’s a time for whispered conversations, shared laughter, or simply enjoying each other’s company in silence.
A shared bedtime fosters a sense of togetherness, reminding each partner that they’re in this journey together, no matter what the day has brought.
4. Say “thank you” often, even for the little things
Gratitude is a powerful tool in any relationship. Saying “thank you,” even for the little things, can strengthen bonds and foster positive feelings. It’s not about grand gestures but acknowledging everyday kindnesses.
This simple act encourages an atmosphere of appreciation and positivity. It helps both partners feel seen and valued, reinforcing the love and respect they share.
By regularly expressing gratitude, couples can transform mundane routines into meaningful exchanges, nurturing their relationship with every heartfelt ‘thank you.’
5. Pick your battles carefully
Not every disagreement is worth the fight. Picking your battles means recognizing which issues truly matter and which can be let go. This wisdom can save a marriage from unnecessary wear and tear.
It’s about choosing peace and harmony over being right. By letting go of minor grievances, couples can focus on resolving the issues that genuinely impact their relationship.
This approach helps maintain a loving and supportive environment, where both partners feel heard and respected, leading to a healthier, more resilient partnership.
6. Let your partner be wrong sometimes without rubbing it in
We all make mistakes, and sometimes, letting your partner be wrong without rubbing it in is an act of love. It’s about creating a safe space where imperfections are accepted, and learning is encouraged.
This doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs, but approaching them with understanding and patience. It helps build trust and respect, solidifying the partnership.
Over time, this kindness fosters a culture of grace and forgiveness, encouraging personal growth and strengthening the relationship’s foundation.
7. Support their dreams—especially when they feel shaky
Supporting your partner’s dreams, especially when they feel uncertain, can be incredibly powerful. It’s about believing in them even when self-doubt creeps in. This support can be the encouragement they need to pursue their aspirations.
It’s an act of love that says, “I believe in you,” fostering confidence and motivation. In turn, this shared journey towards dreams strengthens the bond between partners.
Being each other’s cheerleader transforms individual successes into shared victories, enriching the relationship with every milestone achieved.
8. Don’t try to win every argument
In the heat of an argument, the urge to win can overshadow the need to understand. Letting go of this need can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth.
It’s about valuing the relationship more than the argument’s outcome. This shift in perspective encourages communication and empathy, allowing both partners to express themselves without fear of losing face.
By focusing on resolution and understanding, couples can navigate disagreements with grace, emerging stronger and more connected.
9. Keep some things just between you two
In a world where sharing is easy, keeping some things just between you two can fortify your bond. These private moments or secrets create an intimate bubble that only you share.
It’s a reminder of the unique connection you have, something that no one else can touch. Whether it’s an inside joke or a shared dream, these shared experiences enrich your relationship.
This practice fosters a sense of unity and trust, reinforcing the sacred space that is your partnership.
10. Don’t stop touching—hugs count
Physical touch is a powerful connector, often speaking louder than words. Don’t underestimate the value of a hug, a gentle touch, or a reassuring hand squeeze.
Touch can convey love, support, and comfort, bridging gaps words might leave. It’s a reminder of your presence and commitment to each other.
By maintaining physical closeness, couples can nurture their emotional connection, ensuring that love is felt as much as it is spoken.
11. Respect each other’s family, even when it’s hard
Family dynamics can be complex, but respecting each other’s family is crucial for harmony. It means honoring the relationships that shaped your partner, even when challenges arise.
This respect builds bridges, fostering understanding and acceptance. It doesn’t mean agreeing with everything but valuing these connections for your partner’s sake.
By treating each other’s families with kindness and grace, couples can enhance their own relationship, reinforcing the love and respect they share.
12. Never joke about divorce
Joking about divorce can undermine the foundation of a marriage. Words have power, and even in jest, they can sow seeds of doubt and insecurity.
Marriage thrives on trust and commitment. By avoiding such jokes, couples affirm their dedication to each other, reinforcing the seriousness of their vows.
This respect for the relationship’s sanctity helps build a stable and enduring partnership, where both partners feel secure and cherished.
13. Apologize first—even when you’re both hurt
Apologizing first can be a healing balm in times of conflict. It takes courage to reach out when emotions are raw, but this gesture can open doors to reconciliation.
By putting pride aside, you demonstrate humility and the willingness to heal. This act can defuse tension and foster understanding, allowing both partners to move forward together.
In a marriage, forgiveness and empathy are vital, and apologizing first showcases these qualities beautifully.
14. Compliment each other like you did when you were dating
Remember the thrill of receiving a compliment in the early days? Keep that magic alive by continuing to notice and appreciate your partner’s qualities.
Compliments are little gifts that brighten the day, reminding each other of the affection that brought you together. It’s about seeing the good and vocalizing it, even as time passes.
This practice nurtures self-esteem and reinforces the loving connection that forms the heart of your relationship.
15. Be honest, not brutal
Honesty is essential, but how it’s delivered matters. Being honest without brutality ensures that truth is shared with kindness and sensitivity.
It’s about balancing candor with compassion, ensuring that honesty strengthens rather than wounds. This approach fosters trust, creating a safe space for open communication.
Honesty, when delivered with care, reinforces the foundation of a healthy and enduring relationship, where both partners feel valued and heard.
16. Keep traditions that matter to you
Traditions are anchors in the sea of life, offering stability and continuity. Keeping those that matter strengthens your bond, providing shared experiences and cherished memories.
These rituals, whether grand or simple, are threads that weave your shared life together. They remind you of your journey and the values you hold dear.
Honoring traditions enhances your relationship’s depth, enriching it with meaning and continuity.
17. Protect your partner’s reputation—even when they’re not around
Standing up for your partner, even when they’re not around, is a profound act of love and loyalty. It means safeguarding their reputation and showing respect, reinforcing trust.
This protection proves that you value and honor their presence in your life. It fosters an environment of mutual respect and support, strengthening your bond.
By being their champion, you reinforce the partnership’s integrity, enriching your relationship with loyalty and pride.
18. Check in with each other emotionally—often
Emotional check-ins are vital for maintaining a healthy connection. Regularly touching base allows couples to understand each other’s needs, fostering empathy and support.
It’s about creating a safe space for honest sharing, where feelings are acknowledged and validated. This practice nurtures intimacy, ensuring both partners feel seen and understood.
By prioritizing emotional check-ins, couples can navigate challenges with resilience, strengthening their bond with every conversation.
19. Laugh together, especially on bad days
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress. Sharing a laugh, especially on bad days, can transform tension into lightness, creating a bond that defies adversity.
It’s about finding joy in each other’s company, using humor as a bridge back to happiness. This shared laughter fosters resilience and connection, reminding you of the strength of your partnership.
Through laughter, couples can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace, ensuring that love remains at the heart of their relationship.
20. Never stop choosing them
Choosing your partner daily is a testament to enduring love. It’s a conscious decision that reaffirms your commitment, ensuring that love is an ongoing journey.
This choice isn’t about grand gestures but daily acts of love and understanding. It’s seeing your partner anew each day, appreciating their presence and the life you share.
By never stopping to choose each other, couples keep their relationship vibrant and alive, nurturing a love that endures through all seasons of life.